Southport Area Committee set to approve blanket 20mph zones in areas of Southport and Birkdale

“NOBODY wants to do this, but we have no choice” – Margaret Carney, Sefton Chief Executive.

Is there an alternative? Tell our reporter TOM BRISTOW on 01704 536655 or email tom.bristow @liverpool.com

PLANS to create blanket 20mph speed limit zones in areas of Southport and Birkdale were set to be approved at Southport Area Committee last night.

A total of 4,020 town centre homes and 2,082 homes in Birkdale were consulted over the proposals in September and October.

The moves come after councils across the country were given powers to set 20mph zones in a bid to improve road safety. The two areas involved – the Mornington Road area of Southport and the Stamford Road area of Birkdale – are two of five zones identified for the schemes in the Local Safety Scheme Review for 2012/13.

Residents were asked whether they thought speeds were too high; whether they thought 20mph limits would reduce vehicle speeds and whether they were in favour.

The overall results in the Mornington Road area as a whole showed 65% of the returned questionnaires were in favour of the new 20mph zones – although only 584 people took part, with a return rate of 14.5%.

A Cleveleys Road resident suggested that Sussex Road / Church Street and Hawkshead Street remain at 30mph, after 49% of Sussex Road residents taking part voted against the limit. But the officer’s report recommended members approve the scheme as a whole, citing that otherwise it would create three separate 20 mph areas rather than a blanket restriction.

The support in Birkdale was stronger, with 81% in favour, and 623 questionnaires – 29.9% – returned. The cost of the schemes should they be implemented are £13,000 for Southport and £9,471 for Birkdale. meanwhile reaction to the plans on the streets of Southport was mixed.

Jacob Owens said: “It's a great idea, it would obviously be far better for the town as I hate the traffic around here.”

While Mark Gary said: “They need to sort the roads out, not reduce the speed limit to avoid the problem.”